NCAA tennis: Elon men land seeding validation; Phoenix women to face top team

By Adam Smith / Times-News

Published: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 01:22 AM.

ELON — There was a lot for the Elon men’s tennis team to like when its NCAA Tournament assignment was revealed Tuesday.

The Phoenix landed a coveted No. 3 regional seed and will face No. 2 seed Tennessee on May 10 in a four-team pod at No. 1 seed Duke, one of the 16 host schools, which Elon defeated in January.

“Getting a three seed is rewarding,” senior Stefan Fortmann said. “And we figured we’d be pretty close to home. We didn’t know how close. I think we were all kind of hoping for Duke or Carolina, so it kind of worked out well for us.”

The seeding delivered twofold validation for Elon (19-4), a measure of respect acknowledging this stellar season, that included a perfect run through the Southern Conference, and the consistent success that has been built by coach Michael Leonard, whose program claimed its fifth regular-season title in the league in a nine-year span.

“When you’re a three seed, you know you’ve produced a team that is legit,” Leonard said. “That’s what we wanted, and we got it. That’s all we can ask for.

“I’m excited. We’re going to Duke, a place we’re comfortable with. We know we can compete with these teams. We’re going to have to play our best tennis. They’re top-level programs. But we’re excited about the opportunity.”

Elon is headed to its second NCAA Tournament on the Division I level. The first trip came in 2007.

Fortmann, who plays at the No. 2 singles position, said he felt some nervous energy building in the room at Alumni Field House where the team watched the NCAA selection show.

Leonard said he couldn’t help but chuckle when Elon’s name was uncovered among the 64-team field.

Volunteer assistant coach John Collins, a valuable addition to Elon’s staff, played for Tennessee last season in the NCAAs. So it shouldn’t be too difficult for the Phoenix to acquire scouting information on the Volunteers (17-10).

“I couldn’t believe the irony of that when it happened,” Leonard said of seeing Elon pop up beside Tennessee. “Just kind of a comical thing.”

Elon won the Southern Conference Tournament on April 19 and waited 10 days to learn its NCAA draw.

Another 10-day wait will be required before Elon takes the court at Duke’s Ambler Tennis Stadium to take on Tennessee in a 9 a.m. match.

Duke (19-6) opens the NCAAs that day against Winthrop (16-9), a No. 4 seed. The Elon / Tennessee and Duke / Winthrop winners will meet a day later on May 11.

Elon started this season by edging Duke 4-3 on Jan. 17, one of the most significant victories in Leonard’s tenure.

“It’s good finally finding out who we’re playing,” Fortmann said. “We’ve still got a week to prepare, but it’s an exciting time for the boys.”

The Elon women’s tennis team immediately discovered its NCAA pairing, which is a daunting one.

The Phoenix’s first NCAA Tournament appearance on the Division I level will come against Georgia, one of the 16 host schools and the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.

Elon, a No. 4 regional seed, was the second team unveiled in the 64-team field Tuesday, a moment after Georgia’s name was posted.

“That was pretty quick. Got right to it,” senior Frida Jansaker said. “We wanted to find out right away, and we did.”

No. 2 seed Arizona (17-5) and No. 3 seed Florida State (15-12) join Elon in the four-team pod May 9 at Georgia. The Phoenix lost 4-0 to Georgia in January to open this season.

“I think we gained a lot of experience from that match and I think it helped us a lot throughout the season,” Elon coach Elizabeth Anderson said. “So that will be interesting to be able to see them again. They’re a very strong team.”

ELON — There was a lot for the Elon men’s tennis team to like when its NCAA Tournament assignment was revealed Tuesday.

The Phoenix landed a coveted No. 3 regional seed and will face No. 2 seed Tennessee on May 10 in a four-team pod at No. 1 seed Duke, one of the 16 host schools, which Elon defeated in January.

“Getting a three seed is rewarding,” senior Stefan Fortmann said. “And we figured we’d be pretty close to home. We didn’t know how close. I think we were all kind of hoping for Duke or Carolina, so it kind of worked out well for us.”

The seeding delivered twofold validation for Elon (19-4), a measure of respect acknowledging this stellar season, that included a perfect run through the Southern Conference, and the consistent success that has been built by coach Michael Leonard, whose program claimed its fifth regular-season title in the league in a nine-year span.

“When you’re a three seed, you know you’ve produced a team that is legit,” Leonard said. “That’s what we wanted, and we got it. That’s all we can ask for.

“I’m excited. We’re going to Duke, a place we’re comfortable with. We know we can compete with these teams. We’re going to have to play our best tennis. They’re top-level programs. But we’re excited about the opportunity.”

Elon is headed to its second NCAA Tournament on the Division I level. The first trip came in 2007.

Fortmann, who plays at the No. 2 singles position, said he felt some nervous energy building in the room at Alumni Field House where the team watched the NCAA selection show.

Leonard said he couldn’t help but chuckle when Elon’s name was uncovered among the 64-team field.

Volunteer assistant coach John Collins, a valuable addition to Elon’s staff, played for Tennessee last season in the NCAAs. So it shouldn’t be too difficult for the Phoenix to acquire scouting information on the Volunteers (17-10).

“I couldn’t believe the irony of that when it happened,” Leonard said of seeing Elon pop up beside Tennessee. “Just kind of a comical thing.”

Elon won the Southern Conference Tournament on April 19 and waited 10 days to learn its NCAA draw.

Another 10-day wait will be required before Elon takes the court at Duke’s Ambler Tennis Stadium to take on Tennessee in a 9 a.m. match.

Duke (19-6) opens the NCAAs that day against Winthrop (16-9), a No. 4 seed. The Elon / Tennessee and Duke / Winthrop winners will meet a day later on May 11.

Elon started this season by edging Duke 4-3 on Jan. 17, one of the most significant victories in Leonard’s tenure.

“It’s good finally finding out who we’re playing,” Fortmann said. “We’ve still got a week to prepare, but it’s an exciting time for the boys.”

The Elon women’s tennis team immediately discovered its NCAA pairing, which is a daunting one.

The Phoenix’s first NCAA Tournament appearance on the Division I level will come against Georgia, one of the 16 host schools and the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.

Elon, a No. 4 regional seed, was the second team unveiled in the 64-team field Tuesday, a moment after Georgia’s name was posted.

“That was pretty quick. Got right to it,” senior Frida Jansaker said. “We wanted to find out right away, and we did.”

No. 2 seed Arizona (17-5) and No. 3 seed Florida State (15-12) join Elon in the four-team pod May 9 at Georgia. The Phoenix lost 4-0 to Georgia in January to open this season.

“I think we gained a lot of experience from that match and I think it helped us a lot throughout the season,” Elon coach Elizabeth Anderson said. “So that will be interesting to be able to see them again. They’re a very strong team.”